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May 4, 2008
Time Out!
By Alexa Halsall,
NLG contributing correspondent
Photos, Tracy Collins, via flickr.
"You were right. It's not a done deal," NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery announced Saturday to a crowd of cheering Brooklynites at the Time Out Atlantic Yards rally. The rally, sponsored by Brooklyn Speaks, the Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, was held in the footprint of the controversial development. Citing the recent economic downturn that has forced developer Forest City Ratner to shelve major portions of the proposed construction, Montgomery called on Governor David Paterson to review the entire process. In particular, she noted the lack of community consideration in the original planning and said that the project must be governed by local laws.
Led by Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats' President Chris Owens, the crowd chanted "Time Out," occasionally answering the shouts of a counter-demonstration that included members of ACORN and Build, two pro-development organizations, and their supporters.
Joining Montgomery were NYS Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, and NYC Councilmembers Letitia James, Tony Avella and David Yassky, Ignoring some occasional jeers, Yassky stated "It's plain the community has never had its say," adding his voice to the call for review of the massive project.
He was echoed by James, who called the proposed development "an injustice to our neighborhood and a disrespect to our neighborhood." James led the crowd in more cheers of "Brooklyn, Brooklyn." She spoke out against the proposed cost of the "giant boondoggle," saying the money could be better spent on the city's schools, infrastructure and subways. To Ratner's team, she said "it's time to fold 'em, time to hit the road" and return to New Jersey. As for the New Jersey Nets, who are seeking to move to the proposed Brooklyn arena, she commented "I've seen school kids play better."
Posted by lumi at May 4, 2008 2:32 PM